A tribute to the chosen few

In the seminary we were often told, "Many are called but few are chosen." In showbiz, thousands of wannabes try out in commercials, movies, or shows but very few make it. And those who break into the biz successfully, don’t always last. Some stay awhile, others fade into oblivion faster than a blink. But we remember some of them because at first they did something that’s excruciatingly difficult to forget.

Gabby Concepcion was one of the most sought-after actors and teen heartthrobs of the ’80s. His charm and good looks made him a favorite leading man to famous actresses like Sharon Cuneta, Janice de Belen, Maricel Soriano, Snooky Serna, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor. Gabby’s cherubic face graced several magazine covers during his heydays. He was a CloseUp endorser when he was discovered for the movies. He left the local showbiz scene several years ago as he got embroiled in the infamous Manila Filmfest scam, but he still does concerts for his fans abroad. Reports say Gabby lives happily with his wife in the US. When not on stage, he is busy as a broker for real estate properties in San Francisco, California.

The coming-of-age film Bagets catapulted the careers of its lead stars who proved that they were not just pretty faces but talented actors as well. Except for the untimely demise of Jon Hernandez, Bagets actors like Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista, William Martinez, Francis M, Raymond Lauchengco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez are still active these days in showbiz, politics, concerts and business. Only Juan Carlos "JC" Bonin remains elusive to the camera. Reports say he is now a pastor based in London. Aside from Bagets, he appeared in several films like Cross My Heart, Zimatar, Daddy Knows Best, Ninja Kids and Kamagong. He was a mainstay of That’s Entertainment and Julian Talisman. People remember JC as the astig and handsome guy who was into martial arts and body-building in most of his films.

Remember the songs A Friend and I Want You to Cry Too? If yes, then you probably remember Keno or Joaquin Sanchez in real life. He appeared in Ninja Kids along with JC in 1986. Keno was a regular host of the noontime show Lunch Date in Channel 7 before he left the country. Reports say Keno is now married and lives abroad.

The lovely Lilet became popular when she was chosen to sing Tomorrow’s People, the theme song of the 1987 Coke commercial. Remember the lines "I am the future of the world… I am the hope of the nation" from that song? Lilet was a regular of That’s Entertainment but she also starred in movies like Pik Pak Boom, Estudyante Blues and Dear Diary. She made a comeback with a different screen name.

Jaypee de Guzman was a favorite child star whose intense and emotional performances made audiences weep inside movie theaters. He appeared in lachrymal movies but his performance in the film Saan Darating ang Umaga as the adopted son of Nida Blanca and Nestor de Villa and the target of ire of older sister Maricel Soriano was truly moving. The last scene at the orphanage where he was crying while running after Maricel is unforgettable. As a teenager, he became a regular member of That’s Entertainment. He now owns a company which he put up with friends. He guested in one of the episodes of Homeboy with other former child stars RR Herrera and Chuckie Dreyfuss.

International Young Music Entrepreneur

The British Council has launched the search for International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year for 2007 (IYMEY). Prospective candidates must be professionally active in the local music sector through any of the following fields: Recording/music licensing/distribution; venue or festival management/programming; artist management; music broadcasting; music journalism/ publishing; music development; music marketing; music retail (including on-line/digital outlets). Participants should be between 25 and 35 years old, and using their entrepreneurial skills, must have shown their ability and innovative approach to the promotion of music in their own country, particularly in a commercial context. Through their character, drive and abilities, they must demonstrate their potential to be future leaders of the music sector in their respective countries.

The winner from the Philippines will join counterparts from Egypt, India, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland and Tanzania for a two-week program comprising visits, meetings, and gigs in London and Manchester from June 18 to 29, prior to the actual competition. Their tour also includes attendance at the Glastonbury Festival – the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world – and networking opportunities at London Calling, the newest international trade exhibit which will bring together artists, managers, labels, music publishers, service providers and brands who all work together to build the future of the music business.

The IYMEY winner will receive a financial award of GB P7,500 to cover a specific project of his choice, developed in tandem with the British Council office in London.

Application forms will be available at the British Council office and on-line www.britishcouncil.org.ph Deadline for submission of application is Feb. 15. The Philippine winner will be announced in April. For details, call 914-1011 to 14 local 130.